Really good comments. It's clear that a name or symbol can change in meaning over time. It can evoke strong feelings from some, and near indifference from others. It can have a positive connotation for some groups, and a negative connotation for others. For some these names evoke the memory of a cruel, aggressive, destructive war. For some the names honor a revered ancient country and culture. What needs to develop is some level of sensitivity between the different goups so that the group that cherishes the historical meaning does not trod over the painful rememberances of those for whom the meaning is only of evil, and vice versa.
Taking the time to dig deeper, as was done in the comments above, aids communication and understanding. (I don't know whether this would help with the confederate flag issue, though...
what were they thinking?
in Ten Forward
Posted
Really good comments. It's clear that a name or symbol can change in meaning over time. It can evoke strong feelings from some, and near indifference from others. It can have a positive connotation for some groups, and a negative connotation for others. For some these names evoke the memory of a cruel, aggressive, destructive war. For some the names honor a revered ancient country and culture. What needs to develop is some level of sensitivity between the different goups so that the group that cherishes the historical meaning does not trod over the painful rememberances of those for whom the meaning is only of evil, and vice versa.
Taking the time to dig deeper, as was done in the comments above, aids communication and understanding. (I don't know whether this would help with the confederate flag issue, though...
awful lot of emotion there.)